"Rejoicing in the rain in Istanbul
By Susan Elderkin
Published: November 29 2008 01:02 | Last updated: November 29 2008 01:02
It is raining in Istanbul. A layer of grey cloud is clamped over the city like a saucepan lid. From the drizzle-spattered windows of our airport express bus we get bleary glimpses of the city: shabby, worn-out buildings painted beige and taupe and faded, dusky pink. Ahead is the distinctive skyline of domes and minarets, reaching into the clouds. But instead of looking magnificent, glinting in the sunlight, the domes are dull and leaden. Even the minarets are fuzzy: I count half a dozen encased in scaffolding."
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